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Landing in India for Diwali 2026? Sort these out before you leave the airport
Make your Diwali trip to India smoother with tips on getting connected, beating the airport rush, and making the most of the festivities.
You’ve just stepped off a long-haul flight into one of India’s busiest travel weeks of the year. The airport is chaotic, with families reuniting, and taxi queues seem to stretch forever as everyone eagerly gets ready for Diwali.
It’s an exciting time to arrive, but the last thing you want is to be stuck at the airport sorting out essentials like mobile data while the celebrations are already underway.
A little prep before you fly, plus a few smart moves after you land, can make all the difference. Here’s what to sort out before you leave the airport so you can get straight into enjoying Diwali 2026.
Why Diwali week changes your arrival in India
In 2026, Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) falls on Sunday, November 8, but the broader five-day Diwali festival runs from Friday, November 6 to Wednesday, November 11 (some calendars end it a day earlier, on November 10).
If you’re heading to India for Diwali, expect more chaos than usual. You’ll likely arrive at a packed airport, with long immigration queues and lengthy waits for a taxi.
So allow extra time for the airport and travel to your accommodation. If you have a host waiting for you, message them when you land and keep them updated on timing.
Flight prices also tend to rise during Diwali as families travel home and visitors arrive for the festivities. So if you’re traveling from the US for Diwali or flying from Australia to India, lock in your travel plans ASAP before fares increase or sell out.
Fill in the e-Arrival Card before you board
India introduced a new e-Arrival Card system on October 1, 2025, and the paper cards were completely phased out by April 1, 2026. All foreign nationals and OCI cardholders must now complete the free e-arrival information form on the Bureau of Immigration website or in the Su-Swagatam app.
You must complete the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before you arrive in India. You’ll then receive a QR code confirmation to show at the immigration counter upon arrival.
Skipping it won’t necessarily get you turned away, but it can mean extra checks and a slower queue. It’s one of those easy-to-miss travel slip-ups that cause trouble at the airport, so set a reminder before you leave home.
Get online before you reach baggage claim
Once you land, you’ll likely need a working data connection, whether to message a host, find your hotel pickup, or use travel apps like Uber.
However, airports like Delhi’s ask for a mobile number and a one-time code (OTP) to access free Wi-Fi, and your home number may not work. To bypass this, you may need to visit a Wi-Fi kiosk or information desk to get a login code, which can waste valuable time.
So, relying on airport Wi-Fi isn’t a good game plan, especially during a busy travel period like Diwali, when delays may already be happening. For a more reliable data connection, you have three main options:
| Connection option | What you need | When you’re online |
|---|---|---|
| eSIM installed before your flight | Unlocked eSIM-compatible phone | Right after landing, once data roaming is on |
| Airport SIM counter | Passport, visa, photo, local address | After the queue and activation, from minutes to a day |
| Home carrier roaming | International roaming plan | On landing, with daily fees |
Buying a local SIM card in India doesn’t always give you an instant connection, but a travel eSIM does. However, make sure you install it BEFORE departure, then switch on its data roaming setting as soon as you land. And turn off mobile data for your home SIM to avoid expensive India roaming fees.
Rides, cash, and paying your way during festival week
Once you’re through arrivals and online, your next challenge is getting to your accommodation.
During Diwali week, demand for taxis and airport transfers can rise, so expect longer queues and higher app-based ride fares. However, don’t accept unsolicited offers, as they often lead to a common travel scam: the driver claims the meter is broken and overcharges you.
Instead, book only through a recognized ride-hailing app like Uber or inDrive, or use the airport’s official prepaid taxi counters. These are typically located inside the arrival hall and offer fixed fares you pay in advance at the counter, not to the driver on arrival.
If possible, it’s also a good idea to exchange some Indian rupees before boarding your flight, since visitors can bring in up to ₹25,000, so you have cash as soon as you arrive. With longer waits and queues, you may need to buy a drink or snack or tip your driver, and ATM queues at the airport can be long.
Another payment method to consider in India is UPI. Foreign visitors can use the UPI One World prepaid wallet, which lets you pay by QR code at participating merchants.
To set it up, you’ll complete KYC with your passport and visa through an authorized issuer, either in an app like CheqUPI or at a counter such as the one at Delhi Airport. Availability is still expanding, so check before you fly.
What to expect on the ground during Diwali
During Diwali, India comes alive with color and light.
Markets are especially crowded, with rows of hand-painted clay lamps (diyas) for sale, which locals light and place on their doorsteps. Meanwhile, sweet shops are packed with mithai in fancy gift boxes, ready to share with family and friends.
There are a few practical things to keep in mind, though:
- Some independent shops, smaller businesses, and restaurants may close or operate shorter hours on Lakshmi Puja evening, so check opening times and plan meals ahead.
- On Lakshmi Puja (November 8), fireworks continue late into the night. Expect noise well into the night, particularly in residential neighborhoods.
- The fireworks can also cause a sharp rise in air pollution, especially in northern cities such as Delhi. On Diwali night in 2025, several Delhi monitoring stations recorded AQI readings above 400, classified as “severe”. If you’re sensitive to air quality, consider packing an N95 mask.
- If you’re invited to join a family celebration or visit a temple, dress modestly and remove your shoes when entering.
When to land and how to plan your Diwali week
Diwali week is loud, lively, and high-spirited, so you’ll need plenty of energy. For this reason, arrive 2 or 3 days before celebrations begin so you have ample time to recover from your overnight flight and any lingering jet lag.
This also means you’ll be there for Dhanteras shopping on November 6. On this day, it’s customary to buy auspicious items from the markets, like gold or silver coins or jewelry, to invite wealth, health, and prosperity.
You’ll likely want to stay for the entire five-day festival. However, flights sell out fast after Bhai Dooj (November 11) as people return home, so book your return journey well in advance.
Land in India connected with Holafly
Diwali week is no time to be hunting for airport Wi-Fi or waiting in a SIM counter queue while your family waits outside arrivals. With a Holafly eSIM for India, you install it at home, switch it on when you land, and you’re online before you reach baggage claim. Enjoy unlimited data, 5G speeds where available, and 24/7 customer support, so booking a ride or sharing your pickup spot is quick and easy.
What’s more, every Holafly eSIM includes Always On, 1 GB of backup data each month at no extra cost. It activates automatically while the eSIM stays installed on your phone, renews every month, and works in 150+ destinations. If your plan ends on the last night of celebrations or your flight home gets pushed back, Always On keeps you connected to rebook, call a ride, or tell the family you’re on your way.
Keep it installed after the festival, and you’ll land ready on your next trip too.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
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Hi, I'm Mika, a South Korean writer living in the US. I cover travel and live events, focusing on the practical stuff that makes your trip smoother, whether you're navigating a new city or heading to a major international event.I'm also the founder of Search SEOul, South Korea's leading SEO conference, bringing together search marketing experts and speakers from around the world.
